An application made by Bondholder University of Derby to build a new £12million science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) facility have been granted approval by Derby City Council.

The facility will be a 45,200 sq ft expansion at the university's already-impressive Markeaton Street Campus and has gained conditional approval on the grounds that the development begins within three years, although the university has previously indicated it will be complete by 2017.

The news comes shortly after the University of Derby was shortlisted for a top accolade in the Times Higher Education Awards 2015 for the Most Improved Student Experience category.

The nomination recognises that passion, focus and culture, which inspires our students to learn, develop and succeed

— Joanne Jones, Student Wellbeing Service Manager at University of Derby

The winner shall be announced in November and would add to an already impressive set of awards won by the institution.

Bondholder and structural experts, Rodgers Leask, will be acting as structural engineers for the project.